Big Cedar-CS 920204MEMO
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
DATE:
Dale Jackson, Building Official
Kenneth M. Griffin, P.E., City EnGineer~
BiG Cedar Addition
February 4, 1992
As we discussed in our January 24, 1992 meetinG, any lots within the
designated floodplain should have an elevation certificate completed. One
copy of that elevation certificate should be attached to the building
permit and the original should be forwarded to the enGineerinG department
to be placed in a separate elevation certificate file that is currently
being established. This will be a requirement from FEMA to Gain entry
into FEMA's Community Rating System (CRS) ProGram.
While reviewing the BiG Cedar Addition plat, I noticed that several lots
on the south side of the addition are within the designated floodplain.
Therefore, Lots 2 through 16 should have an elevation certificate
completed on them. I have included a copy of the Federal EmerGency
ManaGement AGency's approved elevation certificate for your use. Copies
can be made of this and passed out to the builder's prior to the issuance
of building permits. Once the forms have been set, the elevation of the
top of the forms can be shot. That information should be approved through
the engineering department and then the actual building permit can be
issued for the construction of the home.
If you should have any questions concerning this issue, please feel free
to contact me at your convenience.
KMG/bd
cc: Gary L. Sieb, Director of Planning and Community Services
M. Shohre Daneshmand, Civil EnGineer
BIGMEM
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM
ELEVATION CERTIFICATE"
AND
[NSTRUCTIONS
PAPERWORK BURDEN DISCLOSURE NOTICE
GENERAL - This information is provided pursuant to Public Law 96-511, (The Paperwork Reduction
Act of 1980, as amended), dated December 1 I, 1980, to allow the public to participate more gully and
meaningfully in the Federal paperwork review process.
AUTHORITY - Public Law 96-511, amended; 44 U.S.C. 3507; and 5 CFR 1320
DISCLOSURE OF BURDEN - Public reporting burden for the collection o1' informat, ion entitled
"Post-Construction Elevation Certificate/Floodproofing Certificate" (FEMA Form 81-31 and 81-65} is
estimated to average 12 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and
reviewing the forms. Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any aspect of the collection,
including suggestions for reducing the burden, to: Information Collections Management, Federal
Emergency Management. Agency, 500 C Street, S.W. 20472~ and to the Office of Management and
Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (3067-0077), Washington, D.C. 20503.
ELEVATION CERTIFICATE o.,.,.s. ~o3o 7-oo77
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM
A'I-rENTION: Use of this certificate does not provide a waiver of the flood insurance purchase requirement. This form is used only to
provide elevation information necessary to ensure compliance with applicable community floodplain management ordinances, to
determine the proper insurance premium rate, an(I/or to support a request for a Letter of Map Amendment or Revision (LOMA or LOMR),
Instructions for completing this form can be found on the following pages.
SECTION A PROPERTY INFORMATION FOR INSURANCE COMPANY USE .
BUILDING OWNER'S NAME POLICY NUMBER
STREET ADDRESS (Inclu~:ling Apt.. Umt. Suite aha/or Bldg. Numberl OR PO. ROUTE AND BOX NUMBER COMPANY NAtC NUMBER
OTHER DESCRIPTION CL~-: and Block Numbers. etc.)
CITY STATE ZIP CODE
SECTION B FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM) INFORMATION
Provide the following from the proper FIRM (See Instructions):
7. Indicate the elevation datum system used on the FIRM for Base Flood Elevations (BFE): L._. NGVD '29 [__ Other (describe on back)
8. For Zones A or V, where no BFE is provided on the FIRM, and the community has established a BFE for this building site, indicate
the community's BFE: feet NGVD (or other FIRM datum-see Section B, Item 7).
SECTION C BUILDING ELEVATION INFORMATION
1. Using the Elevation Certificate Instructions, indicate the diagram number from the diagrams found on Pages 5 and 6 that best
describes the subject building's reference level __
2(a). FIRM Zones Al-A30. AE. AH, and A (with BFE). The top of the reference level floor from the selected diagram is at an elevation
of ._ feet NGVD (or other FIRM datum-see Section B, Item 7).
(b). FIRM Zones V1 -V30, VE. and V (with BFE). The bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member of the reference level from
the selected diagram, is at an elevation of feet NGVD (or other FIRM datum-see Section B. Item 7)-.
(c). FIRM Zone A (without BFE). The floor used as the reference level from the selected diagram is ._ feet above ,.__ or
below _ (check one) the highest grade adjacent to the building.
(d). FIRM Zone AD. The floor used as the reference level from the selected diagram is __._ feet above '__ or below [_ (check
one) the highest grade adjacent to the building. If no flood depth number is available, is the building's lowest floor (reference
level) elevated in accordance with the community's floodplain management ordinance? __ Yes _ No _ Unknown
3. Indicate the elevation datum system used in determining the above reference level elevations:' NGVD '29 ,__ Other (describe
under Comments on Page 2). (NOTE: If the elevation datum used in measuring the elevations is different than that used on
the FIRM [see Section B. Item 7]. then convert the elevations to the datum system used on the FiRM and show the conversion
equation under Comments on Page 2.)
4. Elevation reference mark used appears on FIRM: _ Yes _ No (See Instructions on Page 4)
5. The reference level elevation is based on: _ actual construction _ construction drawings
(NOTE: Use of construction drawings is only valid if the building does not yet have the reference level floor in place, in which
case this certificate will only be valid for the building during the course of construction. A post-construction Elevation Certificate
will be required once construction is complete.)
6. The elevation of the lowest grade immediately adjacent to the building is: feet NGVD (or other FIRM datum-see
Section B, Item 7).
SECTION D COMMUNITY INFORMATION
1. If the community official responsible for verifying building elevations specifies that the reference level indicated in Section C, Item 1
is not the "lowest floor" as defined in the community's floodplain management ordinance, the elevation of the buJlding's "lowest
floor" as defined by the ordinance is: feet NGVD (or other FIRM datum-see Section B, Item 7).
2. Dat~ of the start of construction or substantial improvement
r -, · -. rr,,., I~ s -' '~. ~ v ,~r) Rr PI ,~ r~: S Al ! r,~.~: ~.,IOUS I:Di T iON'; SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR CONTINUA! ~C~N
SECTION E CERTIFICATION '
This certification is to be signed by a land surveyor, engineer, or architect who is authorized by state or local law to certify elevation
information when the elevation information for Zones Al-A30, AE, AH, A (with BFE),VI-V30,VE, and V (with BFE) is required.
Community officials who are authorized by local law or ordinance to provide floodplain management information, may also sign the
certification. In the case of Zones AO and A (without a FEMA or community issued BFE), a building official, a property owner, or an
owner's representative may also sign the certification.
Reference level diagrams 6, 7 and 8 - Distinguishing Features-If the certifier is unable to certify to breakaway/non-breakaway wall,
enclosure s;ze, location of servicing equipment, area use, wail openings, or unfinished area Feature(s), then list the Feature(s) not
included in the certification under Comments below. The diagram number, Section C, Item 1, must still be entered.
I certify that the information in Sections B and C on this certificate represents my best efforts to interpret the data available.
I understand that any false statement may be punishable by fine or imprisonment under 18 U.S. Code, Section 1001.
CERTIFIER'S NAME LICENSE NUMBER (or Affix Seal)
TITLE COMPANY NAME
ADDRESS CITY STATE ZiP
SIGNATURE DATE PHONE
Copies should be made of thle Certificate for: 1) community official, 2) Insurance agent/company, and 3) building owner.
COMMENTS:
ON WITH ON PILES,
SLAB BASEMENT PIERS. OFI COUJMN~
A V A A V
ZONES ZONES ~ ZONES ZONES ·
:LEVAT~ON NT
The diagrams above illustrate the points at which the elevations should be measured in A Zones and V Zones.
Elevations for all A Zones should be measured at the top of the reference level floor.
Elevations for all V Zones should be measured at the bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member.
Page 2
THE NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM
ELEVATION CERTIFICATE
PURPOSE OF THE ELEVATION CERTIFICATE
The Elevation Certificate is an important administrative tool of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
As part of the agreement for making flood insurance available in a community, the NFIP requires the community to adopt a floodplain
management ordinanc .~ containing certain minimum requ,rements intended to reduce future tlood losses. One such requirement is that
the community "obtain 'he elevation of the lowest floor (including basement) of all new and substantially improved structures, and maintain
a record of all such inf-,rmation." The Elevation Certificate is one way for a community to comply with this requirement.
The Elevation Certificate is also required to properly rate post-FiRM structures, which are buildings constructed after publication of the
Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), for flood insurance in FIRM Zones Al-A30, AE, AO, AH, A (with Base Flood Elevations [BFE's]),
Vl-V30, VE, and V (with BFE's). In addition, the Elevation Certificate is also needed for pre-FIRM structures being rated under post-FIRM
flood insurance rules.
Use of this certificate does not i~ any way alter the flood insurance purchase requirement. The Elevation Certificate is only used to provide
information necessary to ensure compliance with applicable community floodplain management ordinances, to determine the proper flood
insurance premium rate, and/or to support a request for a Letter of Map Amendment or Revision (LOMA or LOMR). Only a LOMA or
LOMR from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can amend the FIRM and remove the Federal requirement for a
lending institution to require the purchase of flood insurance. Note that the lending institution may still require flood insurance.
This certificate is only used to certify the elevation of the reference level of a building, If a non-residential building is being floodproofed,
then a Floodproofing Certificate must be completed in addition to certifying the building's elevation, Floodproofing of a residential building
does not alter a community's floodplain management elevation requirements or affect the insurance rating unless the community has been
issued an exception by FEMA to allow floodproofed residential basements.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE ELEVATION CERTIFICATE
The Elevation Certificate is to be completed by a land surveyor, engineer, or architect who is authorized by state or local law to certify
elevation information when the elevation information for Zones At-A30, AE. AH. A (with BFE's), V1-V30, VE, and V (with BFE's) is
required. Community officials who are authorized by local law or ordinance to provide floodplain management information may also
complete this form. For Zones AO and A (without BFE's), a building official, a property owner, or an owner's representative may also
provide the information on this certification.
SECTION A Property Information
The Elevation Certificate identifies the building, its owner and its location. Provide the building owner's name(s), the building's complete
street address, and lot and block number. If the property address is a rural route or PO box number, provide a legal description or an
abbreviated location Oescription ba;ed on distance from a reference point.
SECTION B Flood Insurance Rate Map Information
tn order to properly complete the Elevation Certificate, it is necessary to locate the building on the appropriate FIRM. and record the
appropriate information. To obtain a FIRM, contact the community or call 1-800-333-1363.
The Elevation Certificate may be completed based on either the FIRM in effect at the time of the certification or the FIRM in effect when
construction of the building was started.
Items I - 6. Using the FIRM Index and the appropriate FIRM panel for the community, record the community number, panel (or page)
numper, suffix, and Index Oate. From the appropnate FIRM panel, locate the property and record the zone and the BFE (or flood depth
number) at the building site. BFE's are shown on a FIRM for Zones Al-A30. AE. AH, V1-V30. and VE: flood depth numbers are shown
for Zone AO.
Item 7. Record the vertical datum system to which the elevations on the applicable FIRM are referenced. The datum is specified in the
upper right corner of the title block of the FIRM.
Item 8. In A or V Zones where BFE's are not prowded on the FIRM. the community may have established BFE's based on data from other
sources. For subdivisions and other development greater than 50 lots or 5 acres, establishment of BFE's is required by community
floodplain management ordinance. When th~s is the case. complete this item.
SECTION C Building Elewtlon Information
Item 1. The Elevation Certificate uses a building's reference level as the point for measuring its elevation. Pages 5 and 6 of this Elevation
Certificate package contain a series of eight diagrams of various building types that are to be used to help determine the reference level.
Choose the diagram that.best represents this building, record the diagram number, and use the indicated reference level to measure the
elevation as requested in Items 2a-d.
Item 2. Depending on the property location's FIRM Zone, complete Item 2a, 2b, 2c, or 2d. Use the reference level shown in the
appropriate building diagram as the point of measurement. As shown in the diagram on the back of the Certificate, for ali A Zones, the
elevation should be measured at the top of the reference level floor. For all V Zones, the elevation should be measured at the bottom of
the lowest horizontal structural member of the reference level floor. Reporting of elevations in Items 2a and 2b should be to the nearest
tenth of a foot, or alternatively, unless prohibited by state or local ordinance, the reference level elevation may be "rounded down" to the
nearest whole foot ("rounding up" II prohibited).
Item 2(e). For structures located in FIRM Zones Al-A30, AE, AH, and A (with BFE's), record the elevation (to the nearest tenth of a foot)
of the top of the floor identified as the reference level in the applicable diagram.
Item 2(b). For structures located in FIRM Zones Vl-V30, VE, and V (with BFE's), record the elevation (to the nearest tenth of a foot) of the
bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member of the floor identified as the reference level in the applicable diagram.
Item 2(c). For structures located in FIRM Zone A (without BFE's), record the height (to the nearest tenth of a foot) of the top of the floor
indicated as the reference level (from the applicable diagram) above or below the highest adjacent grade immediately next to the building.
Item 2(d). For structures located in FIRM Zone AO, the FIRM will show the base flood depth. For locations in FIRM Zone AO record the
height (to the nearest tenth of a foot) of the top of the floor identified as the reference level (from the applicable diagram) above or below
the highest adjacent grade immediately next to the building. For post-FIRM buildings, the community's floodplain management ordinance
requires that this value equal or exceed the base flood depth provided on the FIRM. For those few communities where this base flood
depth is not available, the community will need to determine if the lowest floor is elevated in accordance with their floodplain management
ordinance.
Item 3. Record the vertical datum system used in identifying the reference level elevations for all buildings. If the datum used in measuring
the elevations is different than that used on the FIRM, then convert the elevations in Items 2a-d to the datum used on the FIRM, and show
the conversion equation under the Comments section on Page 2.
Item 4. Indicate if the elevation reference mark used appears on the FIRM. Reference marks other than those shown on the FIRM may be
used for elevation determinations. In areas experiencing ground subsidence, the most recently adjusted reference mark elevations must
be used for reference level elevation determinations.
Item 5. Indicate if the reference level used in making the elevation measurement is based on actual construction or construction drawings.
Construction drawings should only be used if the building does not yet have the reference level floor in place, in which case the Elevation
Certificate will only be valid for the building during the course of construction. A post-construction Elevation Certificate will be needed once
construction is complete.
Item 6. Record the elevation measurement of the lowest grade adjacent to the building (to the nearest tenth of a foot). Adjacent grade is ·
defined as the elevation of the ground, sidewalk, patio, deck support, or basement entryway immediately next to the structure. This
measurement should be to the nearest tenth of a foot if this Certificate is being used to support a request for a LOMA/LOMR.
SECTION D Community Information
Completion of this section may be required by the community in order to meet the minimum floodplain management requirements of the
NFIP. Otherwise, completion of this section is not required.
Item 1. The community's floodplain management ordinance requires elevation of the building's "lowest floor" above the BFE. For the vast
maiority of building types, the reference level and the lowest floor will be the same. If the community determines that there is a
discrepancy, record the elevation of the lowest floor.
Item 2. Enter date. These terms are defined by local ordinance.
SECTION E Certification
Complete as indicated. The Elevation Certificate may only be signed by a land surveyor, engineer, or architect who is authorized by state
or local law to certify elevation information when the elevation information for Zones A1 -A30, AE, AH, A (with BFE's), V1 -V30, VE, and V
(with BFE's) is required. Community officials who are authorized by local law or ordinance to provide floodplain management information
may also sign this certification. In the case of Zones AO and A (without BFE's), a building official, a property owner, or an owner's
representative may sign this certification.
Certification is normally to the information provided in Sections B and C. If the certifier is unable to certify to the selection of reference level
diagram 6. 7 or 8 (Section C, Item 1 ), e.g., because of difficulty in obtaining construction or building use information needed to determine
the Distinguishing Feature(s), the certifier must list the Feature(s) excluded from the certification under Comments on Page 2. The
diagram number used for the Reference level must still be entered in Section C, Item 1.
Page 4
INSTRUCTIONS
The following 8 diagrams contain descriptions of various types of buildings. Comp&re the features of your building with those shown in
the cliagrams and select the diagram most applicable, Indicate the diagram number on the Elevation Certificate (Section C, Item 1 ) and
complete the Certificate. The reference ~svel floor is that level of the building used for underwriting purposes.
NOTE: In all A Zones, the reference level la the top of the lowest floor; In V Zones the reference level Ii the bottom of the IOWelt horizontal
structural member (see diagram on page 2). Agents lhould refer to the Flood Insurance M~nuel for Instruction on Io~$t floor definition.
DIAGRAM NUMBER 1
ALL SINGLE AND MULTIPLE FLOOR BUILDINGS (OTHER
THAN SPLIT LEVEL), INCLUDING MANUFACTURED (MOBILE)
HOUSING AND HIGH RISE BUILDINGS, EITHER DETACHED OR
ROW TYPE (E.G., TOWNHOUSE, ETC.); WITH OR WITHOUT
ATrACHED GARAGE.
Olellnguiehlng Feature - The ~irst floor is not below ground level (gradel on
a//sides'. This ~ncludes "walkout" basements, where at least one side is at or
above grade. (Not illustrated)
HIGHER FLOORS
(~F ANY}
REFERENCE
LEVEL
,TOP OF
DIAGRAM NUMBER 2
ALL SINGLE AND MULTIPLE FLOOR BUILDINGS (OTHER THAN
SPLIT LEVEL), INCLUDING MANUFACTURED (MOBILE)
HOUSING AND HIGH RISE BUILDINGS, EITHER DETACHED OR
ROW 'FYPE (E.G., TOWNHOUSES, ETC.); WITH OR WITHOUT
ATTACHED GARAGE.
Dlstlngulahlng Feature - The first floor or basement (including an
underground garage') is below ground level (grade) on all sides'.
HIGHER FLOOR~
OCIR
REFERENCE
LEVEL
ITO~ OF BASEMENT FLOOR
DIAGRAM NUMBER 3
ALL SPLIT LEVEL BUILDINGS, EITHER DETACHED OR ROW
TYPE (E.G., TOWNHOUSES, ETC.); WITH OR WITHOUT
ATTACHED GARAGE.
Distlnguisl~ing Feature - The lower level is nor below ground level (grade) on
ali s~des' Th~s ~nclucles "watkoul" basements, where al least one side is at or
above grade.
_;mER LEVEL
GRADE
GRADE ~NTERMEDIA?E J
LEVEL
DIAGRAM NUMBER 4
ALL SPLIT LEVEL BUILDINGS, EITHER DETACHED OR ROW
TYPE (E.G., TOWNHOUSES, ETC.); WITH OR WITHOUT
ATTACHED GARAGE.
Dletlngui-hlng Feature * The lower level (or ~ntermechate level) is below
ground level (grade) on all S~des'.,'
HIGHER FLOORS HIGHER FLOORS
IIF ANY) (IF ANYI
GRADE
UPPER LEVEL
LOWER LEVEL
REFERENCE
LEVEL
(TOP OF BASEMENT FLOOR'I
INTERMEDIATE
LEVEL
GRADE
' Under the IVationai Flood Insurance Program's risk classification and insurance coverage, a floor that is below ground level
~graOel on all sides is considered a basement even though the floor is used for living purposes, or as an office, garage,
worksl~oD, etc.
Note: In ell A Zones, the reference ..~ i is the top of the lowest floor; in V Zones the reft..,ce level is the bottom of the lowest
horizontal ~tructural member (see diagram on page 2). Agents should refer to the Flood Insurance Manual for Instruction on lowest
floor definition.
DIAGRAM NUMBER 5
ALL BUILDINGS, INCLUDING MANUFACTURED (MOBILE)
HOMES ELEVATED ON PIERS, POSTS, COLUMNS, SHEAR
WALLS, WITH OR WITHOUT PARKING AREA BELOW
ELEVATED FLOOR.
Distinguishing Feature - For all zones, the area below the elevated floor
~s open, with no obstruction to the flow of flood waters (open wood latlice
work or readily removable insocl screening is permissible).
HIGHER FLOORS
dFAN~
ELEVATED
FIRST FLOOR
DIAGRAM NUMBER 6
ALL BUILDINGS, INCLUDING MANUFACTURED (MOBILE)
HOMES ELEVATED ON PIERS, POSTS, COLUMNS, SHEAR
WALLS, WITH OR WITHOUT PARKING AREA BELOW
ELEVATED FLOOR.
Distinguishing Feature - For V Zones only, the area below the elevated
floor is enclosed, either Dartially or fully, by solid breakaway walls." When
enclosed area ~s greater than 300 square feet or contains equipment
servicing the building, use Diagram Numbm' 7; this will result in a higher
insurance rate. The enclosed area can be used for parking, building access
or limited storage.
HIGHER FLOORS
:IF ANYt
DIAGRAM NUMBER 7
ALL BUILDINGS, INCLUDING MANUFACTURED (MOBILE)
HOMES ELEVATED ON PIERS, POSTS, COLUMNS, SHEAR
WALLS, SOLID NON-SREAKAWAY WALLS, WITH OR
WITHOUT PARKING AREA BELOW ELEVATED FLOOR.
Distinguishing Feature - For ail zones, the area below the elevated floor ~s
enclosed, e~ther part~ally or fully. Dy solid non-breakaway walls, or contains
equ,pment servicing the building. For V Zones only. the area ~s encloseo.
e~ther parbally or fully, by solid breakaway walls" hawng an encloseO area
greater than 300 square feet. For A Zones only, with an area enclosed by
solid walls hawng proper openings,'" and used only for parking, budding
access, or limited storage, use Diagram Number 8 Io determine the
reference level.
HIGHER FLOORS
IF ANY
DIAGRAM NUMBER 8
ALL BUILDINGS CONSTRUCTED ABOVE AN UNFINISHED
SPACE, INCLUDING CRAWL SPACE.
Distinguishing Feature - For A Zones only. the area below the firs! floor is
enclosed by sold of part,al perimeter walls. ~s unfinished, and contains no
equ~pmem servicing the structure. The area can be used for parking.
bullchng access, or hmlted storage. '
HIGHER FLOORS
GRAOE
Under the National Flood insurance Program's risk classification and insurance coverage, a floor that is below ground level (grade) on
all s/des is considered a Dasement even though the floor is used for living purposes, or as an off/ce, garage, workshop, etc.
Solid breakaway walls are walls that are not an integral part of the structural support of a building and are intended through their design
and construction to collapse under specific lateral loading forces, without causing damage to the elevated portion of the building or
supporting foundation. An area so enclosed is not secure,against forceaOle entry.
If the area below the lowest floor/s fully enclosed, then a minimum of two openings are required with a total net area of at least one
square inch for every square foot of area enclosed with the bottom of the openings no more than one foot above grade. Alternatively,
cerDfication may De provided by a registered professional englneer or architect that the design w/il allow equalization of hydrostatic
flood forces on exrenor walls. If neither of these crtter/a are met. then the reference level/s the lowest grade adjacent to the structure.
Page 6
.' U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE· 1990 72